Expression of interest - Special Constable (Volunteer Police Officer)


Posted on 1st Jul 2024

Expression of interest - Special Constable (Volunteer Police Officer)

Vacancy Information

Submit an expression of interest today and we will contact you when recruitment opens.

Please note this is not an application for the role.

Chief Constables' Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

We wish you all the very best with your application.

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner

The Role & Key Responsibilities

Our Special Constables are volunteer police officers from all walks of life who dedicate their valuable spare time to policing their local communities in Surrey.

The hours you volunteer will make a real difference to the public of Surrey as you will help us to reduce crime - and the fear of crime - across the county, whilst gaining unique experiences that you are unlikely to encounter elsewhere.

In spite of these challenging times, our Special Constables (volunteer police officers) continue to dedicate their time to help us keep our communities safe. During the first lockdown (March - July) they volunteered over 14,500 hours, reflecting their ongoing commitment to the public of Surrey and helping us to ensure that Surrey is a county that is safe and feels safe. As we enter our second lockdown this support continues in abundance.

Over the forthcoming months, we aim to grow our Special Constabulary to increase our support to frontline policing. So if you are looking for a unique and rewarding volunteer role, then this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Based across each of the 11 boroughs in Surrey, our Special Constables wear the same uniform and carry the same powers and responsibilities as our regular police officers.

To become a Special Constable you will be expected to attend an initial training course twice a week for up to 12 weeks. This course is intensive and incorporates many different aspects of policing and conflict resolution, but once complete you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to begin your journey with us.

You will then be expected to dedicate a minimum of 16 hours per month to your special constable duties, volunteering alongside our regular police officers carrying out a range of policing activities. This minimum commitment will enable you to maintain your operational competence and as you become more experienced in the role, there may be opportunities to specialise within our UAV (drone) team, our roads policing units or public order units.

Due to the level of commitment required, you should consider this a long-term volunteer role which will continue to offer new experiences and opportunities.

Skills & Experience

We are looking for individuals who have the drive, determination and willingness to learn to become a special constable.

You will need to have good communication skills and be able to think laterally to solve problems, often under pressure. You will encounter a wide range of challenging situations, and must be able to deal with conflict and interact with victims and members of the public calmly and confidently.

To become a special constable you will need to demonstrate that your values are aligned to our Police Code of Ethics and further information about this can be found here:

https://www.college.police.uk/What-we-do/Ethics/Ethics-home/Pages/Code-of-Ethics.aspx

 

Why Work With Us?

We take pride in looking after our volunteers. Through volunteering you will have the opportunity to:

  • Experience policing first-hand
  • Meet new people and teams
  • Learn and develop your skills
  • Support your local community

We will reimburse any travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering and we have recognition schemes in place for us to formally show our appreciation for your service.

As a Special Constable with Surrey Police you will have access to financial and mental well-being guidance and support, discounts for everyday spend, our on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs. Volunteering with us will also allow you to apply for other voluntary and paid positions within the Force.

Further Information

There are several key eligibility requirements applicants must meet before becoming a special constable.

Please refer to the recruitment guide available here: Click here

We recommend reading the eligibility criteria in full to confirm you are able to apply before submitting an expression of interest.

Diversity Statement

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.

We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and Disability Confident, a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.

We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our full anti-racism statement here.

We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.

Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Surrey Police and Sussex Police

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